Martin J. Galecka , Joseph J. Gavenda, Sr., Wilma Tracey McDonald
Martin J. Galecka
Martin J. Galecka, Jr. age 80, of Ovid, Michigan died Sunday, November 20th, 2011 at Clinton Memorial Hospital , St. Johns, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church Bannister, MI on Wednesday, November 23rd at 10:00 am, Rev. Fr. Marcel Portelli will officiate. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Elsie, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Tuesday 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M.. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie chapel. Rosary will be prayed on 6:00 P.M. Tuesday at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie Chapel.
Martin was born in Bannister, Michigan on December 23, 1930, the son of Martin J. and Anna (Yancy) Galecka Sr. He graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1948 and attended 2 years of college at M.S.U. He resided most of his life in the Bannister area moving to Ovid in 1965. On June 19, 1954 he married Agnes Kuchar at St. Robert’s Catholic Church in Flushing, Michigan. Martin was a farmer and he also worked for Federal Mogul in St. Johns retiring in 1991 after 37 years of service. He was guest Polka D.J. on W.O.E.S. Radio for many years and enjoyed traveling to polka festivals. He was a member of the Jenota Lodge and a member of St. Cyril’s Catholic Church Bannister, MI, He served his church in the ushers club and men’s club.
He is survived by his wife, Agnes Galecka of Ovid, MI; 2 daughters, Joanne and Bruce Denovich of St. Johns, MI; Sharon and Marc Livernois of Midland, MI; 3 sons Robert Galecka of Elsie, MI; James Galecka of La Salle, CO; Thomas and Shawn Galecka of Ovid, MI; 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grandddaughters, sister Mary and Ray Dilley of Lake Fenton, MI; brother Carl and Jan Galecka of Owosso, MI. also many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother and sister in law, Joseph and Marilyn Galecka. Memorials may be made to W.O.E.S. Radio Station or a charity of the donors choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie Chapel Elsie, Michigan.
Joseph J. Gavenda, Sr.
Joseph J. Gavenda, Sr., 89, passed away November 18, 2011. Born September 24, 1922, in Bannister, MI. He was the son of George and Maria Gavenda. Joseph married Jean Abbott, November 20, 1943 in St. Johns. She preceded him in death, February 1, 2001. Joseph was a veteran of WWII and served in the Philippines, and was a member of VFW Post #3733. He was retired from Fisher Body in Lansing and was a member of local #602.
Joseph is survived by four children, Jean (Larry) Baker of Perrinton, Joseph (Mary) Gavenda of Ashley, Joann (Dale) Walton of St. Johns, Jim (Linda) Gavenda of Maple Rapids, daughter in law, Sue Gavenda of Ithaca, 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, his sister in law, Pat Abbott, as well as many nieces and nephews. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents. Three brothers, Steve, Andy, George, and son, Jerry Gavenda.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 21, 2011, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. Burial will follow the service at Sowle Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., with a scripture service at 7 p.m., at The Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.
Wilma Tracey McDonald
Wilma Tracey McDonald, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to all, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at the age of 85. She was born November 17, 1925 in Saginaw County, Michigan the daughter of Ludwig and Olga (Freidank) Trinklein. Wilma was a former member of Zion Lutheran Church in Iva, MI and is currently an active member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in St. Johns. She is a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and enjoyed spending time at the Clinton County Senior Citizens Drop-In Center.
On June 15, 1946 she married Maurice (Jake) McDonald and he preceded her in death in 1998. She was also predeceased by two sisters, Louise Kreger and Paula Klink; brother-in-law Alvin Kreger; son-in-law Mark Talicska and two nephews and one niece.
Surviving is one daughter, Barbara Talicska of Bryan, OH; two sons, Terry (Pat) of St. Johns and Mike (Mary) of Grand Ledge; eight grandchildren; Matthew (Lauren) Talicska, Adam Talicska, Andy (Amanda) Talicska, Nick (Chrissy) McDonald, Tera McDonald, Tracy McDonald, Scott (Marissa) McDonald and Stacy McDonald; three great grandsons, Charles Talicska, Jacob and Eli McDonald; brothers-in-law Ken Klink of Hemlock, John (Helen) McDonald, James (Dolores) McDonald and Bill (Elinor) McDonald all of Midland and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, November 21, 2011 at St. Johns Lutheran Church 511 E. Sturgis St. Johns, MI with Rev. Dr. Bryan Salminen officiating. Interment will take place at 3:00 PM at LaPorte Cemetery in Midland County, Michigan. The family will receive relatives and friends 2-4 and 6-8 PM Sunday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns and one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Johns Lutheran Church or Clinton County Senior Citizens Drop-In Center 201 E. Walker St. Johns, MI 48879.
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